Key Points
Andrew Holt has over a decade of experience in downtown development and community engagement.
He previously led Downtown Lawrence Inc. and the Downtown Association of Yakima, focusing on revitalization and events.
His background includes managing key downtown events and adapting to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research suggests his expertise will support Topeka’s ongoing downtown growth, though specifics may vary by context.
Professional Background
Andrew Holt, announced as the next President of Downtown Topeka Inc. effective July 9, 2025, brings extensive experience in downtown development. With over ten years in the field, he has held leadership roles that emphasize community engagement and urban revitalization.
Previous Roles
Before Topeka, Holt was the Executive Director of Downtown Lawrence Inc. (DLI) starting in mid-April 2023, where he promoted and championed Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, and lobbied for local businesses. Prior to that, from 2017 to 2023, he served as the first full-time director of the Downtown Association of Yakima (DAY), overseeing revitalization efforts previously managed by the city. His earlier career included roles such as tourism services manager at Visit Walla Walla and a position with the chamber in Dayton, Washington, where he gained experience in Main Street programming.
Key Contributions
Holt’s work in Yakima included developing events like Chalk Art Fest, Downtown Summer Nights, and Roots & Vines Festival, and managing the farmers market, which thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic with record sales for many vendors. In Lawrence, he noted the area’s low vacancy rates and emphasized walkability, addressing issues like homelessness and parking. His ability to adapt, such as modifying events during the pandemic and initiating promotions like Small Business Saturday, highlights his leadership in challenging times.
Survey Note: Detailed Background of Andrew Holt
Andrew Holt, recently announced as the President of Downtown Topeka Inc. effective July 9, 2025, brings a robust background in downtown development and community engagement, spanning over a decade. This section provides a comprehensive overview of his professional journey, skills, and contributions, drawing from available public information to ensure a thorough understanding of his qualifications for leading Topeka’s downtown revitalization efforts.
Professional Experience
Holt’s career in downtown development is marked by significant leadership roles, each contributing to his expertise in urban revitalization and community collaboration.
Downtown Lawrence Inc. (DLI), Executive Director (Mid-April 2023 - Present):
Holt took the helm of DLI in mid-April 2023, focusing on promoting and championing Downtown Lawrence, Kansas. His role involved lobbying for the interests of downtown businesses, emphasizing the area’s strengths such as six blocks of solid, historic buildings with low vacancy rates compared to other communities. He highlighted Lawrence’s walkability, with features like one lane of traffic each direction, bumpouts, and jagged parking for pedestrian comfort. Holt also addressed challenges such as homelessness, parking, and high property values/rents, suggesting caution with policies like a vacancy tax and openness to ideas like a pedestrian mall with data and community buy-in. His mentor, Michael Davidson, formerly of eXplore Lawrence, tipped him off about this opportunity after the previous director, Sally Zogry, stepped down .
Downtown Association of Yakima (DAY), Executive Director (2017 - 2023):Since 2017, Holt led DAY as its first full-time director, taking over full operation of downtown revitalization and maintenance efforts from the city of Yakima. Under his leadership, the organization developed key events such as Chalk Art Fest, Downtown Summer Nights, and Roots & Vines Festival, and assumed operations of the farmers market. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he adapted by canceling or heavily modifying events, becoming a resource for COVID-19 restrictions and financial aid, and participating in the Reopening Task Force, guiding people to resources like www.yvopenandsafe.com. The farmers market, considered essential, required three times the number of volunteers and supplies but ran for five months, achieving the best sales ever for many vendors, with key staff including Yvette Lippert, John O’Rourke, and Breanna Stratton. Holt also initiated promotions like a unique version of Chalk Art Fest, Small Business Saturday, Yakima Together Swag promo, and Yakima Strong Masks to support downtown businesses during closures . Earlier Career Roles:
Before Yakima, Holt served as the tourism services manager at Visit Walla Walla, hired by Michael Davidson, and held a position with the chamber in Dayton, Washington, about 30 minutes from Walla Walla. His work in Dayton included experience in tourism, chamber operations, and Main Street programming, which he described as the most dynamic part of his early career, aligning with his later focus on downtown development.
Key Skills and Contributions
Holt’s expertise is particularly strong in event management, community engagement, and adaptability, all critical for downtown revitalization:
Event Management: In Yakima, he managed a 10-week summer concert series involving road blocks, temporary stages, tents, and beer gardens, showcasing his ability to coordinate large-scale events. He also developed and sustained events like Chalk Art Fest and Downtown Summer Nights, which became staples of downtown activity.
Community Engagement: His roles required collaboration with civic leaders, local businesses, and community stakeholders. In Lawrence, he emphasized the importance of walkability and addressed community concerns, while in Yakima, he became a go-to resource during the pandemic, supporting businesses through financial aid and promotions.
Adaptability: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Holt demonstrated resilience by keeping essential services like the farmers market operational, using financial assistance and reserves to maintain DAY’s viability despite event cancellations. His innovative promotions, such as Yakima Strong Masks, helped sustain downtown engagement during closures.
Educational Background
While specific details were not fully accessible, it is noted that Holt holds a degree in English Literature from UCLA, which likely contributed to his strong verbal and written communication skills, evident in his leadership roles .
Leadership and Vision for Topeka
Holt’s appointment to Downtown Topeka Inc. is supported by endorsements from Interim President Sean Dixon and Interim CEO Stephanie Moran of the Greater Topeka Partnership, who praised his “wealth of experience and deep understanding of what it takes to make downtowns thrive.” His statement reflects enthusiasm for collaborating with Topeka’s community to build on existing progress, leveraging his experience to drive further growth. Given his track record, it seems likely that Holt will focus on event development, community partnerships, and addressing urban challenges, aligning with Topeka’s momentum of over $500 million in recent development.
Summary Table of Key Roles and Contributions
| | |
|---|
Downtown Lawrence Inc., Executive Director | | Promoted downtown, lobbied for businesses, emphasized walkability, addressed community issues. |
Downtown Association of Yakima, Executive Director | | Developed events (Chalk Art Fest, etc.), managed farmers market, adapted during COVID-19. |
Tourism Services Manager, Visit Walla Walla | | Gained tourism experience, mentored by Michael Davidson. |
Chamber of Commerce, Dayton, WA | | Experience in tourism, chamber operations, and Main Street programming. |
This detailed background underscores Holt’s readiness to lead Downtown Topeka Inc., with a proven ability to foster vibrant, engaged downtown communities through strategic leadership and community-focused initiatives.
Key Citations
